I have been waiting to be well enough to have breast reconstruction following a double mastectomy early last year. The operation is planned for Monday and I am feeling really guilty about putting my lovely family through yet more worry even though they have encouraged me because I hate the way I look.I think part of the problem was I had no choice about cancer, surgery, chemo and radio and here I am about to put myself through the mill again purely for cosmetic purposes. I will then have to go do the same all over again on my other side. I am having a LD flap which I have been told is quite a big operation so no doubt it will be a while before I am up an about again. Can anyone give me some moral support??????
FormerMember
I cannot begin to imagine what you have been through and are going through. However this is more than cosmetic surgery, it is for your own well being of mind and spirit. Go for it. May I wish you all the luck in the world. This is you you are talking about, and you have a right to do what you want. I am sure that although your family will be concered about what's happening, they do support you and wish you well. God Bless. David
Hello honey may i first say well done for getting thus far
You have taken the biggest steps in your life by beating cancer
I agree with dave this is about you and your body and mind and spirit you have been given another chance at living and you go for it grab every bit of happiness you can and hold on with both hands
Your family understand and love you unconditionally and they support you in everything you do babe.
Please let us know how you get on and come and visit the chat room you would be welcomed with open arms and get loads of support from the boys and girls in there
Dear pertanperky's blog, I agree with dave and Rose, you are lucky to have your family behind you they know you have been through hell, don't feel guilty you deserve to feel as well as you can in mind and body. Once it is all over you and your family can enjoy yourselves knowing that you have all achieved this together and just think of how pround they will be of you going all through this , and how pround you must be knowing they have given you their support.Go for it with a good heart, good luck cheers sandy.
I'm chiming in with the rest! Go for it! YOU DESERVE IT! I'm a caregiver and not a cancer patient, but a couple years ago I was having urinary incontinence only brought on by exercise or sneezing and stuff. (Common in women after childbirth) It was just plain annoying. A new procedure is being used that is fairly uninvasive, not nearly what you are facing, but my point is, I felt vain and guilty about putting myself through an "elective" surgical procedure for something like a quality of life issue. I struggled and struggled with it. Seems so silly now, but at the time, I had never had surgery, or any major medical issues and it honestly seemed right up there with botox and a facelift in my mind (not that there is anything wrong with that!). Plus I had to pay for some of it as our insurance (I'm in the USA) wouldn't cover it all. But finally, I decided to do it and it was the greatest and best thing EVER. Could I have survived without it, YOU BET! Did it improve my life and self image, ABSOLUTELY! Would I do it again, YES! Its so hard BEFORE you do it to think how worth it it will be, unless you are one of those women who has no desire to do such a thing and there are a few. So go on and get it done. The sooner the better and I suspect very strongly when its over, you will be so glad that you did. Your family is supporting you and WANTS you to feel better and looking good and feeling somehow more normal will absolutely make you feel better! Keep us posted! Best, Lori
hi pertanperky just wanted to add my support i like you have had a double mastectomy & can understand exactley how you are feeling as i feel the same i am still under going chemo but have thought about the future & the recon i have also had my doubts about having it but i know i will in the end because before cancer i had two breasts so after cancer i want them back if that makes sense plus its not about cosmetics its about how you feel about yourself .your family like mine will support you all the way .they will want you to be happy after every thing that you have been through.i know its a big op but it will be worth it my thoughts are with you .let us all know how you get on & how you are doing lots of love n hugs theresa xxxx
